Excelsior Correspondent
Anantnag, Nov 24: The National Conference today said that the holding of Panchayat polls after a gap of 30 years vindicated the keenness of NC and Congress coalition while reiterating that powerful Panchayat Raj system in the State is the commitment of Coalition Government.
“We held these elections despite speculations and fear created by some elements who are presently talking of powers to Panchayats”, National Conference working president Omar Abdullah accompanied by PCC President Saif-ud-Din Soz said on today while addressing Panchs, Sarpanchs at Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam, and Pulwama while questioning opposition’s role in devolution of powers to Municipal Corporations and Urban Local Bodies during their tenure.
“They made these institutions toothless and starved them for funds. People are witness to the fact how PDP made Urban Local Bodies ineffective and powerless”, said Abdullah. “The Coalition Government rejuvenated Panchayats and transferred powers of 14 departments to them besides providing funds for undertaking development works” he added.
Omar added “We are in the process of making these institutions strong, vibrant and powerful so that they can deliver and grow”.
The NC working president said that his Government gave birth to Panchayat institutions and their growth and nurturing is inherent in its policy planning.
“You are very dear to us. Our relation with you is like that of children and parents. Your protection, your growth and development is our cherished desire. We will always support you because we want you to stand on your own legs and deliver as a powerful and viable public institution”, said Abdullah while impressing upon Panchs and Sarpanchs to exhibit their faith and trust in NC-Congress because “we created these institutions with sincerity and are in the process of making them fully empowered.”
“How can we let you fail if we are the ones who created you, it’s quite evident and you are intelligent enough to know who would benefit if you don’t succeed”, said Omar. “We created Panchayat Raj system and they (PDP) opposed it. We empowered you and are in the process of making you self-reliant and fully powerful”, he added.
“Your valuable vote for the joint candidates of coalition contesting is in real sense a vote for strengthening and developing this institution”, he said.
“They (PDP) have and they will try to disintegrate you and create a division amongst you, create confusion in the minds of workers, Panchs and Sarpanchs of National Conference and Congress”, said Abdullah adding, “They will visit you separately and tell you false stories but be cautioned because their creation is based on the concept of division and PDP is known for playing such tricks and tactics”.
Omar said that PDP’s level of frustration is evident by the unity between National Conference and Congress. “Their(PDP leadership) restlessness and impatience grows everyday with the historic steps and decisions taken by the Coalition Government”, said Omar, adding “They know that with each passing day the coalition between NC- Congress is becoming stronger and foresee a disastrous end to their party , their anti- people and anti- coalition conspiracies”, he maintained.
“I told you to beware of PDP conspiracy and emotional blackmailing. They can go to any extent to grab power. They can use gun and polities simultaneously to seek chair”, he said and called for unity in the ranks and files of NC-Congress at gross roots. He said MLC election has provided a golden opportunity to the workers of the two parties to develop strong bonds of coalition at grass root.
Omar said the success of Panchayat Raj system in the State is the success of Coalition Government and National Conference and Congress parties. He asked Panchs and Sarpanchs to vote in large numbers for the joint candidates fielded by these parties for MLC seats.
Besides PCC President Saif-ud-Din Soz, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Sakina Itoo, Ali Mohammad Dar and Ghulam Nabi Monga were also present.
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